Russians Stock Up on Horse Meat for Year of the Red Fiery Horse Ahead of the upcoming year of the Red Fiery Horse in 2026, Russians are actively purchasing horse meat to include in their New Year's celebrations. Production of horse meat products in Russia has seen a significant increase, with notable rises in canned horse meat production in recent months: 39 tons in March, 76 tons in July, 118 tons in August, and a substantial 276 tons in October. Farmers are observing a surge in demand for various horse meat products, including dried meat, sausages with lard and spices, and other delicacies made from horse meat. The growing interest in horse meat is not only due to culinary preferences but also stems from Eastern traditions. It is believed that serving horse meat during festivities can help appease the symbol of the year and bring good luck to the celebrants.

China Postpones Rare Earth Metals Export Controls for a Year The Chinese government has decided to postpone the implementation of export controls on rare earth metals for a year, which were initially introduced on October 9. This suspension follows discussions between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump in Busan. The export measures, which required licenses for the export of rare earth metals and associated technologies, will now be put on hold to allow foreign companies time to adjust. This development is significant for the global industry as China currently dominates approximately 70% of rare earth metal production and 90% of processing. The one-year suspension period will enable China to refine the regulations during this time. Notably, China had already tightened export restrictions on various rare earth metals and related technologies between July and October 2025, making this decision a crucial one for international trade and the economy.

Russia and Kazakhstan Explore Undersea Fiber-Optic Link in Caspian Sea The Russian Ministry of Digital Development, in partnership with Rostelecom and Kazakhtelecom JSC, is considering laying a fiber-optic communication line along the Caspian Sea floor. This initiative aims to connect Russia and Kazakhstan with Iran and Armenia, enhancing digital connectivity within the Caspian region. This project, inspired by the "Digital Silk Road" initiative, seeks to establish a submarine fiber-optic corridor across the Caspian Sea, following the lead of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. The endeavor promises increased autonomy in digital communication, reduced reliance on other countries for data transit, and the consolidation of Russia and Kazakhstan as key digital centers in Eurasia. However, the successful implementation of this ambitious plan hinges on substantial investments, coordination with maritime authorities, and overcoming potential technical and legal obstacles.

Major Road Traffic Accident Involving Four Vehicles on Bishkek — Osh Highway A major road traffic accident involving four vehicles took place on October 29 at the 145th kilometer of the Bishkek — Osh highway, specifically at the Too-Ashu pass. According to the traffic police report, a Daf truck collided with a Chevrolet Orlando, then swerved into the opposite lane, hitting a Honda Stepwgn. Additionally, the Chevrolet also collided with a Chinese electric car. Tragically, a man and a woman who were passengers in the Honda lost their lives. Four other individuals, including a one-year-old and a three-year-old child, sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital for treatment.

Road Traffic Accident in Dostuk Village, Alamudun District On October 29, 2025, at approximately 7:30 p.m., a road traffic accident occurred in Dostuk village, Alamudun district. The incident took place near house No. 66/1 on Alma-Ata Street, close to the "Arzan" store. The Alamudun District Police Department reported that a tractor collided with a pole, prompting officers from the traffic safety department to respond to the scene. During the documentation of the accident, a traffic officer directing traffic to avoid congestion was struck by a **KIA K7** car traveling from south to north. Following the collision, the injured traffic officer was swiftly transported to Chui Regional Hospital for medical attention. Simultaneously, the driver involved in the incident was apprehended and taken to the police station for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Kazakh Machinery Sector Strengthens Ties with Deutsche Bahn Kazakh machinery enterprises are enhancing partnerships with top European companies. A delegation led by Vice Minister of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Saparbekov, recently met with representatives from Deutsche Bahn AG in Berlin. Discussions centered on industrial cooperation prospects, certification procedures, and opportunities for Kazakh companies to enter Deutsche Bahn's supply market. The meeting emphasized Kazakhstan's engineering potential and efforts to meet international quality standards. Deutsche Bahn stressed the complexity of product certification for the European market and offered guidance to Kazakh manufacturers. Two memorandums of cooperation were signed, aiming to expand collaboration and consider joint projects in railway infrastructure, enhancing Kazakhstan's industrial position in foreign markets.

Kazakhstan Plans Expansion of Coal Generation with Clean Technologies Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan, Erlan Akkenzhenov, announced plans to enhance coal generation using clean coal technologies following the President's directive. The ministry aims to implement eco-friendly projects with minimal environmental impact and high operational flexibility. A tender has been held to choose an investor for constructing Ekibastuz GRES-3 (2,640 MW), with another tender scheduled for a thermal power plant in Kurchatov (700 MW). In collaboration with Samruk-Energy JSC, the Ministry is working on projects in Kokshetau, Semey, and Ust-Kamenogorsk, incorporating advanced smoke gas filtration systems and heavy metal capture systems. These initiatives signify Kazakhstan's commitment to modernizing its energy sector and embracing cleaner technologies, aligning with global efforts towards sustainability and environmental protection.

Kyrgyz Residents Prefer Russian Goods for Construction and Food Residents of Kyrgyzstan are increasingly buying products from Russian manufacturers, with a particular interest in construction materials and food. Analysts attribute this trend to the influence of labor migrants who are familiar with the quality and variety of Russian products. These items are consistently in demand across both urban centers and rural areas. Apart from construction materials and food, household chemicals, clothing, and footwear are also popular, but the greatest interest lies in everyday necessities like food and materials for repairs. Buyers in Kyrgyzstan are drawn to Russian goods due to factors such as convenient supply chains, product availability, and a preference for well-known brands. These aspects heavily influence consumer preferences in the country.

Ministry of Economy and Commerce Proposes Measures to Enhance Kyrgyz Pension Funds The Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic has put forward a draft resolution to the Cabinet of Ministers to approve actions regarding Accumulative Pension Funds in the country. The goal is to boost the development of these funds, improve their sustainability, and increase efficiency. The main aim of the initiative is to fortify the non-state pension system, establish effective investment mechanisms for pension savings, and implement risk management tools such as an investment declaration and the formation of a Risk Committee. Currently, Kyrgyzstan has two operational accumulative pension funds: OJSC "NPF Kyrgyzstan" established in 1995 and CJSC "NPF Dordoi Salym" founded in 2019. These funds offer citizens the ability to manage their accumulative pension portion, select a management company, or opt to have their funds managed by the Social Fund of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Solo Exhibition "Return to the Roots" by Boobek Arykov to Open in Bishkek On October 30, the Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts named after Gapar Aitiev will host a solo exhibition titled "Return to the Roots" by Boobek Arykov. Born in 1965 in Kyzyl-Sai, Bakay-Ata district of the Talas region, Arykov gained recognition for his creation of a bust of Chinghiz Aitmatov. He led a team of sculptors in adorning the hall at "Manas-2" airport with bronze sculptures, busts of renowned figures, and a 12-meter monument honoring fallen Afghan soldiers. The exhibition aims to honor Arykov's heritage and ancestry, featuring elements that delve into his roots. Through this showcase, the artist pays homage to his cultural legacy by delving into ancient scripts (runes), monumental stone sculptures, the natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan, and contemporary art movements from around the globe.